SAN RAMON — Previous to the second leg of the Giants’ FanFest tour, outfielder Jung Hoo Lee described his temporary detainment on the Los Angeles Worldwide Airport on Wednesday night as a “misunderstanding this one time” and mentioned he was glad every thing had been sorted out.
“Clearly, a bit hectic the previous couple of days, however I’m glad every thing’s labored out,” Lee mentioned via staff interpreter Brian Kang.
Lee mentioned he had all of the paperwork he usually brings when he flies into the nation, including that he spent a bit of over 4 hours on the airport. He declined to specify what paperwork he was lacking.
Justin Han, Lee’s interpreter, additionally had “passport points” however will fly into the nation subsequent week. Lee mentioned he didn’t suppose the present political local weather had something to do along with his non permanent detainmnent.
“I don’t suppose there’s something particular that I’m too frightened about in that sense,” Lee mentioned. “I’m simply glad it acquired resolved and I’m again with my teammates.”
Earlier this month, 17 members of the Giants group visited Lee in South Korea as a part of a goodwill tour, a bunch that included president of baseball operations Buster Posey, basic supervisor Zack Minasian, new supervisor Tony Vitello and shortstop Willy Adames.
Lee mentioned the journey is “one thing that I received’t neglect for the remainder of my life,” one of many highlights being when he took the contingent out for Korean BBQ. Lee additionally brough Adames and Vitello on a tour of Namdaemun Market whereas Posey and Minasian met with Heo Koo-Youn, the commissioner of the KBO.
Moreover, the Giants placed on a baseball clinic at LG Champion’s Park for 30 native hgh faculty gamers. Lee and Shane Robinson, one of many new coaches below Vitello, coached outfield drills whereas Adames and Jae-Gyun Hwang, a former Large, carried out infield drills.
“It’s fairly evident the help that the Giants have in my dwelling nation in South Korea,” Lee mentioned. “It’s fairly cool to see the followers rallying across the staff and getting enthusiastic about us over right here in San Francisco. It’s actually cool to see the Giants investing and placing a much bigger focus in my dwelling nation, and I’m actually excited to maintain that momentum going.”
Mentioned Vitello of the journey final Saturday: “Lots of meals and breaking bread with all people. For me, being in my first yr, it was nice to be round any of these folks. Even Willy, who I’d spent a variety of time with in particular person, it offered a greater alternative to get to know him.”
Lee will quickly return to Asia for the World Baseball Traditional as one of many star gamers for South Korea, which has by no means received the event.
South Korea is a part of Pool C, which can play in Tokyo from March 5-10. Pool C additionally options Japan, the reingning champions, Australia, Czechia and Chinese language Taipei. If South Korea goes on a run, there’s a risk that Lee faces teammate Logan Webb, who’s a part of the US’ star-studded rotation.
“It’s a giant honor and a privilege to signify my nation on the WBC, and I’m actually excited to … have the chance to face off in opposition to Logan Webb, my teammate,” mentioned Lee, who performed for South Korea in 2023. “We’ll positively have a variety of talks earlier than then. It’s on us to ensure we are able to face Logan ultimately in that event.”
